Nail salon gel manicures rise in popularity - and concerns

Dermatologists say moderation is key

2:58 PM,
May 8, 2013

Almeta Davis of Palm Bay has been a customer at Golden Nails for more than 12 years and said she's not concerned about any health effects from acrylic and gel nails. Davis said she has never had a problem with infections and is happy with the look she gets from her manicures.

Written by

Janet Begley
| For FLORIDA TODAY

After 14 years in business, manicurists at Golden Nails on Palm Bay Road have seen trends come and go. The latest is the gel manicure. It is rising in popularity, they say.

But dermatologists are expressing concerns that the gel treatment can cause problems such as nail thinning and cause nails to become more brittle, peel and crack. They're advising women to become more aware of the potential risk that could be associated with gel nails.

"People really seem to like gel nails," said Golden Nails manager Lynn Nguyen. "The gel polish is shinier than regular polish, and the manicure lasts about ...